Students from Pulaski Elementary School take part in the Month of the Military Child kickoff parade at Hunter School Age Services, building 8805, April 2.

More than 1.7 million children have a parent serving in the military and April is a month when we celebrate military children and thank them for the service they give to our nation. At Hunter Army Airfield, the Month of the Military Child launched with a celebratory opening ceremony at the Child Development Centers around the installation.

At School Age Services, building 8805, a pep rally kicked off the festivities, with children ages 3-8 playing drums, maracas and clapping hands in rousing fashion, followed by a parade of military children. Children from the Hunter CDCs, Pulaski Elementary School and Family Child Care homes took part in the celebration of military children.

“The Month of the Military Child is a time to honor our children and their Families for the daily sacrifices they make, and the challenges they overcome,” said Lt. Col. Ed Kovaleski, Hunter garrison commander. “We often talk about the sacrifices our Soldiers make when they are deployed, but … when you deploy a Soldier and he sacrifices, it is also the Family that sacrifices.” The Month of the Military Child was established in 1986 by former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger to underscore the important role children play in the Armed Forces community. The Month of the Military Child is an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.

Several CDC classes performed at the ceremony, singing songs like “If You’re Proud and You Know It” and “Slippery Fish,” and reciting from their favorite books, including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”

While the ceremony centered on the children, their caregivers were also recognized for their continued support and guidance. But despite their accolades, they made sure that everyone knew why they were there.

“We at [Child, Youth and School Aged Services] believe that every day is a celebration of our youth, but April is special because the rest of the world joins us in celebrating what we already know – (military children) are awesome,” said Heather Ramsey, CYSS administrator.